CAN YOU IMAGINE BEING ABLE TO CHOOSE YOUR EMOTIONS?

How would your life change if you could?

What would happen to your health? Your relationships?

Your work? Your sense of self-esteem? Your joie de vivre?

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LET’S FACE IT — YOUR LIFE WOULD NEVER BE THE SAME, WOULD IT?

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Well, you CAN choose your emotions!

And you CAN create the life you love!

And we’ll show you HOW, at the Emotional Freedom Retreat.

Imagine yourself relaxing in a comfortable hammock in the middle of a large, manicured garden. The air is delightfully crisp, filled with the sweet aroma of fresh flowers. The afternoon sun is peeking through the canopy of old-growth trees, its rays gently warming your skin.

You smile in anticipation of the dinner you’re about to enjoy: three delicious courses of mouth-watering, homemade vegetarian food served by candlelight.

You are still savoring the life-changing conversations you have experienced today.

Your heart is opening up to new possibilities. Your mind is at peace. You are free from worries and fears. Right now you can just BE and enjoy this moment to the fullest. And you know it's just the beginning...

Intrigued? Of course you are!

Ok, let us tell you more!

Set in a delightful location (see the video below), the Emotional Freedom Retreat provides the perfect environment to escape your everyday stresses and obligations and look deep into your soul.

During this transformative inner journey, you will illuminate key areas of your life and get clear on what really matters to you.

You will uncover and release a bundle of self-imposed limitations and tap into a peace and joy you never imagined possible.

You will remove emotional stress, deepen your relationships and create a mindset of happiness and success. You will leave with a healthier, more positive outlook and the tools you need to create the life you really want.

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This retreat has lots of other benefits, too! For example, are you . . .

Burdened by unpleasant emotions like anger, sadness, frustration and fear?
Time to lighten your load! Through insightful conversations and exercises, we’ll show you how to drop the emotions that don’t work for you and choose the ones that do!

Craving success and happiness but feel like you’re falling a bit short?
Not a problem! We’ll teach you how to get out of your own way, reduce self-sabotage, and boost your self-confidence and success to levels you’ve never known.

Regretting the past and worried about the future? Don't worry! On this retreat, you’ll learn how to stop anxiety and second-guessing in their tracks—and how to set yourself free to reach your goals with grace and ease.

Feeling down or in a difficult life transition? We understand. This is your chance to drop the blues and set sail in a bright, new direction—your direction—in the company of supportive friends who’ll lift you up to new heights.

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.Hounded by peer judgment and the need for approval?
You don’t need to live that way. We’ll help you find your truth, break free of social expectations and follow the only voice that really matters—your own.

Yearning for deeper relationships but fund yourself arguing with your loved ones?
Go easy on yourself! We’ll teach you how to communicate with love and compassion and how to listen to others without reacting.

Feeling a little lost, looking for your true purpose in life? We've got your covered! With us, you’ll dive deep into your core. There, you’ll see clearly who you are, why you’re here and how to redesign your life to live your vision.

If you answered YES to ANY of these questions, it’s very possible that the Emotional Freedom Retreat is EXACTLY what you’re looking for!

And here’s why:

We have collected, designed, and perfectly packaged the knowledge and experiences you need to solve the above problems . . . and many more.

And how do we do it?

Simple. We do it with a powerful methodology called ThroughConversation™, which has been transforming people’s lives for over a decade. And it all stems from THIS realization . . .

It is the way you perceive things
and your daily thought patterns
that have the most profound effect on your life.
By breaking down your limiting beliefs
you will achieve your best emotional health

And that’s EXACTLY what we’ll do!

Through an artful combination of penetrating conversations mixed with gentle classical yoga, breathing and other simple exercises, you’ll learn how to dissolve the self-created barriers that are sabotaging your happiness and success.

WHAT TO EXPECT

So what can you expect if you spend several days and nights at one of the most amazing retreat destinations in all of Europe?

First of all, you can expect powerful insights and “aha!” moments that will forever change the way you see the world and your place in it.

You can also expect relaxing and nurturing activities, from lounging by poolside to quiet walks and meditations that will reduce your stress levels and replenish your energies.

You can expect to work with experts who will help you identify anddissolve limiting beliefs, opening you up to a life you never imagined possible.(Hint: Imagine what your life could be like if you didn’t hold yourself back!)

You can expect to spend several enchanting days and nights in a safe, supportive atmosphere, surrounded by loving and inspiring people who are all rooting for you to realize your dreams.

You can expect to shift your outlook on yourself and others, which automatically triggers better emotional health and more fulfilling relationships.

You can expect to build a strong foundation for higher levels of performance in your professional and personal life, leading to more success and fulfillment in all areas.

Oh, and before we forget—you can also expect three yummy, delightful and healthful vegetarian meals each day, food for both the body and the soul.

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WHAT TO EXPECT

So what can you expect if you spend several days and nights at one of the most amazing retreat destinations in all of Europe?

First of all, you can expect powerful insights and “aha!” moments that will forever change the way you see the world and your place in it.

You can also expect relaxing and nurturing activities, from lounging by poolside to quiet walks and meditations that will reduce your stress levels and replenish your energies.

You can expect to work with experts who will help you identify anddissolve limiting beliefs, opening you up to a life you never imagined possible.(Hint: Imagine what your life could be like if you didn’t hold yourself back!)

You can expect to spend several enchanting days and nights in a safe, supportive atmosphere, surrounded by loving and inspiring people who are all rooting for you to realize your dreams.

You can expect to shift your outlook on yourself and others, which automatically triggers better emotional health and more fulfilling relationships.

You can expect to build a strong foundation for higher levels of performance in your professional and personal life, leading to more success and fulfillment in all areas.

Oh, and before we forget—you can also expect three yummy, delightful and healthful vegetarian meals each day, food for both the body and the soul.

SO HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE:

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As you learn to love yourself, you will grow in confidence and authenticity. You will begin to see yourself as you really are and relate to others in a way that creates more peace and harmony in your life.

Isn’t THAT worth joining us?

THE VENUE

Experience living in a community devoted to harnessing the power of Love. Situated on an estate of 40 acres, Venwoude community and retreat centre fully embraces its majestic natural setting. This place is nothing short of magic. You will appreciate its incredible energy.

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With quiet pathways winding through gentle woods, it’s an ideal location for deep contemplation and transformation—a place where you can renew your mind and heart, give birth to new visions, and embrace your full potential in tune with the greater whole.

Venwoude is a place to exchange and learn, breathe and nourish, rest and relax. You’ll also find the very best of Dutch culture combined with an international flair that welcomes all.

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Surrounded by an old growth forest, the estate offers unlimited opportunities to explore and admire the wonders of nature.

The manicured gardens and the secluded pathways reflect the love and care this community puts into creating and maintaining this wonderful place they call their home.

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A few amazing features of this park allow us to create wonderful experiences that complement and support your transformational process, including pleasant walking meditations and self-discovery exercises in a beautiful natural setting. During the breaks, you can kick back and relax in a comfortable hummock under the glorious trees.

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And if you feel a bit adventurous and want to explore the surroundings, the lovely village of Lage Vuursche is just steps away. There are plenty of wonderful restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy on your free time. Hiking and biking trails are also available nearby.

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Venwoude is easily accessible by train, by bus, or by car. Located less than one hour from Amsterdam, it gives you the opportunity to combine your retreat with vacationing in some of the more exciting places Northern Europe has to offer. Visit the colourful city of Amsterdam or enjoy a cycling trip in the Dutch countryside - the choice is yours.

THE CUISINE

Let’s get one thing clear, right from the start: true emotional freedom is more than just the mind—it’s mind, body and spirit combined! To make sure we’re supporting all three, we serve you only the very best and most healthful, in-season foods we can find. And of course, we avoid food that is processed, preserved or unnatural in any way.

The menus are uniquely different each day. But one thing’s for sure: no matter where you go, you’ll get delicious, homemade meals using fresh, organically grown fruits and vegetables. We serve fish on occasion, too, and it’s also the best and most healthful around.

Bottom line:Our chefs are passionate about food! They know their trade like no other, and they constantly research and learn and perfect their art. This makes them dedicated to serving you the most delectable dishes you’ve ever tasted.

So sit back and let them spoil you with . . .

Three healthy, gourmet meals a day, each lovingly created to nourish your body, mind and spirit.

Slow, multi-course dinners that will have your taste buds singing their praises.

To-die-for desserts and fine wines that will leave you smiling and celebrating.

Not only that, but if you have special dietary preferences, our chefs will be more than happy to accommodate your needs!

THE DAILY PROGRAM

Of course, we can’t tell you exactly what will happen—that would be impossible. On these retreats, the magic is in the moment, so we like to keep the schedule flexible. That being said, here’s our general plan:

MORNINGS

Each morning we’ll begin with simple meditation,breathing and stretching exercises (nothing strenuous, we promise!) to set the stage for an amazing day. Then we’ll nourish our bodies with a hearty and healthy gourmet breakfast prepared by our dedicated chefs.

GROUP SESSIONS

We’ll come together forgroup sessions both in the morning and afternoon. These are very relaxed and informal, but they are also full of exploration and discovery.

Through artfully guided conversations, Jean-Paul will take you into your ow­­n inner workings, where you’ll see clearly how you’re wired and what makes you tick—in other words, the psychology behind how you think, feel and act. Through these conversations, you’ll increase your inner awareness and dissolve unproductive beliefs,

As part of the morning and afternoon sessions, you’ll also enjoy interactive group exercises and discussions. And finally, through guided meditations and breathing techniques, you will tap into your subconscious mind, calm your fears and rewire yourself with a powerful, positive attitude.

RELAXATION TIME

You will also have plenty of free time, which you can use to rest and relax, talk to your new friends, read, journal or have fun. We also encourage you to take long, comforting walks and bask in the glory of nature—or use our recreational facilities to exercise your body, mind and spirit.

THE DAILY PROGRAM

Of course, we can’t tell you exactly what will happen—that would be impossible. On these retreats, the magic is in the moment, so we like to keep the schedule flexible. That being said, here’s our general plan:

MORNINGS

Each morning we’ll begin with simple meditation,breathing and stretching exercises (nothing strenuous, we promise!) to set the stage for an amazing day. Then we’ll nourish our bodies with a hearty and healthy gourmet breakfast prepared by our dedicated chefs.

GROUP SESSIONS

We’ll come together forgroup sessions both in the morning and afternoon. These are very relaxed and informal, but they are also full of exploration and discovery.

Through artfully guided conversations, Jean-Paul will take you into your ow­­n inner workings, where you’ll see clearly how you’re wired and what makes you tick—in other words, the psychology behind how you think, feel and act. Through these conversations, you’ll increase your inner awareness and dissolve unproductive beliefs,

As part of the morning and afternoon sessions, you’ll also enjoy interactive group exercises and discussions. And finally, through guided meditations and breathing techniques, you will tap into your subconscious mind, calm your fears and rewire yourself with a powerful, positive attitude.

RELAXATION TIME

You will also have plenty of free time, which you can use to rest and relax, talk to your new friends, read, journal or have fun. We also encourage you to take long, comforting walks and bask in the glory of nature—or use our recreational facilities to exercise your body, mind and spirit.

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A TYPICAL SCHEDULE (SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

8:00–9:00 Morning breathing, stretching, meditation

9:00–10:00 Silent breakfast

10:00–10:30 Free time

10:30–12:30 Session 1

12:30–13:30 Lunch

13:30–14:30 Guided meditation, stretching, and breathing session

14:30–17:00 Session 2

17:00–18:45 Individual work and relaxation

18:45–20:00 Dinner

20:00–22:00 Free time (optional one-on-one work)

WHAT'S INCLUDED

Private accommodations in single or double occupancy (for couples) for the entire duration of your retreat

Delicious, nutritious gourmet breakfasts

Healthy, nourishing whole-food lunches

Elegant, multi-course dinners

Daily transformational group sessions and practices

Working with experts to identify and dissolve limiting beliefs

A safe, supportive atmosphere for inner work and transformation

Grounds and facilities for relaxation and rejuvenation during your stay

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED

YOUR HOSTS

Olga Kniazeva, PhD

Prior to joining ThroughConversation™, Olga’s life experiences led her on an exciting career path in international security, politics and intercultural communications.

After experiencing the collapse of the Soviet Union, she discovered new worlds through traveling and working with a number of prominent academic and policy making organizations such as NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Brussels, Harvard University Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, and Women Waging Peace; she also taught political science at the University of British Columbia. Olga holds a Doctoral degree from the University of British Columbia and a Master’s degree from the Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh.

An immense shift in her life came in 2010 when dealing with an ongoing personal crisis. With her emotional and physical health deteriorating, she tried working with various therapists in hopes of resolving the issues, albeit with very little success. That is when Olga discovered ThroughConversation™ and experienced a methodology that quickly brought happiness and health back into her life. Having experienced the process first hand, Olga dedicated her time to making ThroughConversation™ more accessible in Vancouver and internationally.

Today, Olga lives happily with her daughter in Vancouver, British Columbia, and enjoys racing sailboats overseas. Since 2013 she became a partner in ThroughConversation™ Personal Development.

Jean-Paul Gravel

Founder of the ThroughConversation™ process and its methodology, Jean-Paul is a caring and loving soul who enjoys making people happy. Coming from a French-Canadian background, he has always had tremendous ease at expressing himself. He started dancing when he was eight, became a peer within his community and a highly accomplished dancer by 1994.

1996 marked the beginning of his spiritual growth and health-oriented education. He noticed that even though he was self-expressed, he let his emotions get in the way of the relationships he had with people all around him.

Learning to work with this dynamic in a positive and gentle manner was the cornerstone that would facilitate change in himself and in others. Soon after, he started teaching others how to find their voice and listen to their hearts.

In 2004, Jean-Paul discovered undeniable links between one’s emotional freedom and physical health. Putting the pieces together, he began to outline an exclusive methodology that would dramatically improve one’s physical and emotional health. He found his passion and committed himself to the life work of teaching others.

Today, Jean-Paul lives in Vancouver, British Columbia, dances Argentine tango, has two businesses, and is building a charitable foundation to support people in need.

VIDEO TESTIMONIAL

Want to know what others think about our retreats? Here’s a review from Jodi, an international traveler and yoga teacher who has spent the past 20 years studying and teaching yoga in North America, Europe, India and Japan. Although she was fulfilled following her passion, Jodi came to the Emotional Freedom Retreat in southern France because she wanted fresh inspiration in her life—a shift that would make her feel more alive and happy. Watch this video to see exactly what she found and what a difference it made in her life.

Emotional Freedom Retreats at a Glance

A beautiful combination of work done through the mind and the body, in a tranquil natural environment